Today has been designated by the United Nations(UN) as International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer to commemorate the signing of the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Thanks to global efforts to reduce the use of many of the chemicals known as hydrofluorocarbons, the closure of the hole in the ozone layer has been observed 30-years-after the protocol was signed.

The ozone layer is that thin layer of atmosphere that protects Earth from the harmful rays of the sun. Before a concerted effort was taken to right the widening condition caused by a hole in the ozone layer, Planet Earth was exposed to a dangerous condition with potential catastrophes of vast increases in skin cancers.

However, a cooperative world community acted to phase out and to ban the use of those chemicals that were damaging the ozone layer. Today, the hole has closed, yet the chemical effects from the harmful substances used, are expected to continue for some 50 to 100 years.

In addition, some effects of the past use of the said chemicals have contributed to climate change. Therefore, this International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, should serve as a reminder to continue all protections of the environment and to showcase how global-cooperation to solve a world-problem, could produce a successful result. Here's to continued protection of the entire environment.